Automatic labelling apparatus



n 7, 1969 D. A. CAULFORD ET AL AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Sheet FiledOct. 4. 1965 INVENTOR. DONALD A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PHIN a rnr- MM June'17, 1969 D, A, AULFQRDv ET AL 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Fil ed Oct. 4, 1955 Sheet 3 of 14INVENTOR. DONALD\,A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PH/N Attorney June 17, 1969 v DCAULFORD ET AL 3,450,586

AUTOMATI C LABELLING APPARATUS 4 m ,1 Rm 90A OLW TU u 3 v R N 1 m ww. 9AA m M1 D Y. B 5 6 9 l 4 t C 0 d e l F Mk M Attorney June 17, 1969 D. ACAULFORD ET AL 3,450,586

AUTOMAT I C LABELLING APPAfiATUS Filed 0 ct. 4, 1965 Sheet 4 of 14Attorno y June 17, 1969 AU'LFORD E 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed-Oct.- 4, 1965 Sheet 5' of 14INVENTOR. DONALD A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PHIN Attorney June 17, 1969 D. A.CAULFORD ET AL 3,450,536

AUTOMATIC L ABELLING APPARATUS Sheet Filed Oct. 4. 1965 INVENTOR. DONALDA. CAULFORD JAME; R. PH/N Attorney AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS SheetFiled Oct. 4, 1965 INVENTOR.

DONAD A. CAULFORD JA ES R. PHI

p m 4w, r. 91 w Attorney June 17, 1969" D. A. CAULFORD ET AL" 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 1 254 a :5 FIG. 70 15v INVENTOR.DONALQw-A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PHIN BY Attorney Jun 17, 1969' D.A.CAULFQRD E L 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS INVENTOR. DONALD A. CAULFORD 352 JAMES. R.PHIN A ftorne y June 17, 1969 D. A. CAULFORD ET AL 3,450,536

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Sheet Filed Oct. 4. 1965 INVENTOR. DONALDA. CAULFORD JAMES R. PH/N BY FIG. 15

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Attorney June 17, 1969 D. A. CAULFORD ETAL 3,450,586"

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4. 1965 I Sheet 4? of 14INVENTOR. DONAM A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PH/N v June 17, 1969 v D. A.CAULFORD ETA- I 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed oct. 4. 1965 Sheet 3 of 14 INVENTOR.

. DONALD A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PH/N t ney vJune' l7, 1969 D. A. QAULFOQRDET AL 3,450,586

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed om. 4.21 965 I Sheet 4 of 14INVENTOR.

DONALD A. CAULFORD JAMES R. PHIN BY Attornev United States Patent3,450,586 AUTOMATIC LABELLIN G APPARATUS Donald Alexander Canlford andJames R. Phin, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, assignors to Canadian StackpoleLtd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada Filed Oct. 4, 1965, Ser. No. 492,945 Int.Cl. B65e 9/26, 9/20, 9/14 US. Cl. 156364 18 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE This invention relates to apparatus for labelling bottles orcontainers in continuous automatic sequence and has particular relationto applying a label evenly to a bottle or container while ensuring thatthe edges of the label are firmly secured thereto.

Apparatus designed to apply a label to a container, more particularlyover the top thereof, has been described in US. Patent 3,097,983. In thedescribed apparatus the labels are stacked in an inclined magazine whichfeeds them under gravity to a reciprocable vacuum bar after whichsuccessive labels are transferred to a label gripping mechanism in theform of a drum which is mounted to turn on a horizontal axis. The drumis provided with a plurality of label gripping elements on its peripheryand spaced uniformly circumferentially therearound; arrangements aremade for the label gripping elements to be supplied with water and thenglue contained in a dispensing device after which an individual label isapplied to a bottle simultaneously with its release from the labelgripping element.

In the above arrangement and sequence of operations the edge of thelabel which is held in the gripping element is not supplied with glueand while this is not detrimental when the label is in the form of asmall seal applied over the top of a bottle, the absence of glue at oneedge or larger labels applied to the side of a bottle facilitates theirremoval and detracts from their appearance.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved automatic labellingapparatus by which the labels are continuously and completely adhered toa moving container.

It is a further object of the invention to provide automatic labellingapparatus for more economical manufacture, less costly maintenance andto improve control and operation of the stages in the labelling of thecontainer.

The apparatus of the invention includes a label applying mechanismformed of a rotatable hub element which is provided with a plurality ofspaced apart vacuum supplied pads at its periphery, each of the vacuumpads carrying a label whereby on each revolution of the hub elemerit thelabel on each pad contacts a glue applicator after which it is appliedto the passing container carried on an adjacent main conveyor.

It is a further feature of the invention that a label gripping mechanismof the type formed from a rotatable drum element and provided with aplurality of label gripping elements on its perimeter, each removing onelabel at a time from an adjacent magazine, is synchronized to rotatewith the hub element so that the label on each gripping element isreleased on the opposite side of the drum with respect to the magazinewhen a respective vacuum pad contacts the label, thus effecting atransfer.

It is a further feature of the invention that the vacuum pads arepivoted inwards toward the centre of the hub element at which time thepad is vented to atmosphere; also each is provided with a retainingmechanism and it is maintained in a position where it will not contactthe glue applicator unless a label is transferred to the pad whichtransfer is noted by a sensing mechanism.

It is a further feature of the invention that the label grippingmechanism co-operates with a magazine containing a stack of labels,which magazine is provided with a spring biased plate urging the labelstowards the label gripping mechanism, arrangements being made in themagazine to provide a blast of air towards the side of the stack oflabels to assist in the separation of the forwardmost label from theremainder of the stack.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a partly exploded view of the magazine;

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of the magazine on the lines 44 ofFIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of part of the labelgripping mechanism prior to its gripping a label;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the same part of theapparatus shown in FIGURE 5 after the label has been gripped;

FIGURE 7 is .a vertical cross sectional view taken on the 7-7 of FIGURE5 and showing the arrangement to provide a blast of air to the magazineto facilitate separation of a label;

FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of the cam mechanism and the sensingelements in the label gripping mechanism;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the label applying mechanism;

FIGURE 10 is a cross sectional view of the label applying mechanism andpart of the co-operating label gripping mechanism;

FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of the label applying mechanism;

FIGURE 12 is a view of the latching device on the underside of the labelapplying mechanism;

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged view of an individual valve which controls thevacuum supplied to an associated vacuum pad carried by the labelapplying mechanism;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of the mechanism for activating thelatching device;

FIGURE 15 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of FIGURE 14illustrating the movement of the latching device;

FIGURES 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are diagrammatic illustrations of theoperation of the sensing control mechamsm;

-In the description like parts are given the same number and referringnow to FIGURE 1 an automatic labelling apparatus constructed inaccordance with the invention is generally indicated with the numeral21, being carried on a platform or table 22. The automatic labellingapparatus 21 is positioned alongside a conveyor structure, generallyindicated by the numeral 24 which forms the basis of US. Patent3,097,983 and essentially consists of an endless chain belt conveyor 26which is mounted on and driven by means of suitable sprocket wheels anddriving connections from a main motor, not shown. Container locatingdevices 28 are carried on the chain belt 26, the container locatingdevices 28 providing the means of spacing the containers 30 which arecarried on the endless chain belt 26.

The automatic labelling apparatus 21 includes a magazine 32 formed of ahorizontally disposed plate 34, having on its upper surface a pair ofspaced apart rails 36 and 38, see FIGURE 3. The horizontally disposedplate 34 supports a pair of spaced apart movable vertical plates 40 and42 disposed parallel to and outwardly of the rails 36 and 38. Each ofthe vertical plates 40 and 42 are provided on their inner faces with anupper and lower horizontal rail 43 and 44. Three spaced apart angleirons 46 are secured to the lower part of each of the plates 40 and 42,the angle irons 46 overlying similarly spaced apart slots 48 and 50provided respectively in the horizontally disposed plate 34 outwardly ofthe rails 36 and 38; the slots 48 are considerably longer than the slots50.

The horizontal leg 52 of each angle iron 46 is provided with an aperture54 over which is positioned a locating cap 56 on which rests a spring 58through which extends the threaded shank 60 of a knurled headed screw62.

The horizontal leg 52 of each of the outer angle irons 46 secured to thevertical plates 40 and 42 are provided with an undercut 64 in whichrides the upper part of a key 66, the flanged lower part of which bearsagainst the underside of the platform 22. Each horizontal leg 52 of themiddle angle irons 56 is provided on its underside with a key 68 whichis located in the respective slots 48 and 50, the keys 68 providing themeans for locating the vertical plates 40 and 42 on the horizontallydisposed plate 34.

A bar 70 rides in a keyway 72 secured to the platform 22 and is disposedunder the plate 34 in line with the intermediate slots 48 and 50. Thebar 70 is provided with a pair of longitudinal undercuts 74corresponding in length with the respective slots 48 and 50 and anindividual key 76 rides in the respective slots 48 and 50 beingreleasably engageable with the threaded shanks 60 of the intermediatescrews 62. The end of the bar 70 adjacent the outer side of the plate 40is secured to a threaded rod 78 provided on its mid portion with a pairof spaced apart discs 80 which bear against the opposed faces of splitcollar members 82 secured to the platform 22 by means of screws 83. Aknurled disc 84 is secured to the threaded rod 78 outward of the collar82.

Movement of the bar 70 by rotation of the knurled disc 84 provides ameans of adjustment of the magazine 32 with respect to the platform 22,this adjustment, of course, being effected after release of theintermediate screws 62. The individual adjustment of the vertical plates40 and 42 is effected by release of the outer screws 62, it beingappreciated that the vertical plate 40 is capable of greater movementthan the vertical plate 42 because of the difference in length of therespective underlying slots 48 and 50.

Upstanding angle irons 86 and 88 are secured at the opposed ends of theupper edge of the vertical plate 42. A horizontally disposed rod 90 issecured to the angle irons 86 and 88 and the rod 90 carries a slider 92which has a pair of upstanding ears 94. A coiled spring 96 is journalledin the upstanding ears 94 and the free end of the coiled spring 96 issecured to the angle iron 88. An arm 98 directed towards the verticalplate 40 is secured to the slider 92 and a plate 100 disposed normallybetween the vertical plates 40 and 42 is adjustably secured to the arm98.

The spring biased vertical plate 100 bears against a pack of labels 102which, in turn, bear against a transverse plate 104 which is adjustablysecured, for lateral movement, to the vertical plate 40 by means of "abracket 106. The inner surface of the transverse plate 104 bearingagainst the pack of labels 102 is provided with horizontally disposedTeflon strips 108 which reduces the frictional resistance duringwithdrawal of individual labels from the pack I102, such withdrawalbeing further assisted by tapering in the direction of the pack 102 thevertical edge 110 of the transverse plate 104.

The arrangement for transferring individual labels from the pack 102 isessentially the same as that described in US. Patent 3,097,983 thoughwith some alterations in disposition and also an improvement morespecifically shown in FIGURE 7. In the first place a vacuum bar 112,provided with a flat label contacting face 114 and a plurality ofapertures 116, is vertically, and not horizontally, disposed; the bar112 is supported in a bearing 118 carried in the platform 22, thecentral bore 120 of the vacuum bar 112 being connected to a vacuumsource. The vacuum bar 112 is arranged to rotate outwardly in a verticalplane through an angle of 45 from a position where the flat face 114contacts the adjacent individual label.

An improvement for separating the forwardmost label from the pack 102comprises a horizontally disposed member 122 which is adjustably securedby means of a screw 124 to a vertical post 126 located at the side ofthe vertical plate 42, see FIGURE 6. A pin 128, see FIGURE 7, whose tipis arranged to bear against the outer surface of the for-wardmost labelof the pack 102, is carried in the end of a threaded rod 130 which isaxially disposed in the hollow member 122, rotation of the threaded rod130 thereby permitting adjustment of the position of the pin 128 withrespect to the label. The wall 132 of the hollow member 122 adjacent thepin 128 is provided with apertures .134, the hollow member 122 beingconnected to an air supply, so that pressure is directed through theapertures 134 to maintain the separation of the forwardmost label whenit has been moved outwardly by the vacuum bar 112.

The label gripping mechanism, generally denoted by the numeral 136, isan improved arrangement of that described in U.S. Patent 3,097,983. Asillustrated in FIGURES 1, 5, 6 and 8 it comprises a drum element 138mounted for rotation on a vertically disposed shaft 140 to which it iskeyed by a boss 142, the lower end of which is journalled in theplatform 22 and the upper end in a horizontally disposed plate 144supported by two diametrically opposed uprights 146. Spaced uniformlyaround the drum element 138 are a plurality of grippers 148 eachconsisting of a plate element 150 adapted to swing from registrationwith the inwardly inclined clamping edge 152 of the fixed finger 154,having sleeves 156 pinned to opposed sides of the drum element 138through an aperture 158. The plate element 150 is secured to the base ofa U-shaped member 160 which is supported on a connecting pivot 162extending through a bushing 164 provided in the drum 138. The undersideof the U-shaped member 160 is provided with a lug 166 to which isattached a spring 168, the other end of which is secured to theunderside of the drum 138; the spring 168 biases the plate element 150into the position of registration with the clamping edge 152.

Secured to the free end of the upper part of the U- shaped member 160 isa roller 170 which is mounted to co-operate with a cam 172 adjustablyfixed in relation to the drum element 138 as described below. The bodyof the cam 172 is in the form of a collar surrounding the shaft 140; thecam 172 has a peripheral camming surface 176 which is contoured so thatits contact with the roller 170 maintains the plate element 150 out ofregistration with the inwardly inclined clamping edge 152 until a pointis reached on rotation of the drum element 138 which coincides withpresentation of a label by the vacuum bar 112 to the inclined clampingedge 152. At this point the plate element 150 is instantly released andis caused to move by the spring 168 into clamping relation with theinclined clamping edge 152 to grip the label.

The release of the label on the opposed side of the drum element 138,see FIGURE 10, is achieved by cooperation of the roller 170 with anothercam 178 also in the form of a collar, the position of which is alsoadjustable with relation to the drum element 138 as described below; thecam 178 rests on the seat 180 formed with an upper flange 182 on the cam172. The movement of the plate element 150 out of registration with 5the inclined clamping edge 152 is effected by the roller 170' movingalong the peripheral camming surface 184 provided on the cam 178.

To provide for separate adjustment and positioning of the two cams 172and 178, and hence the instant at which the plate element 150 moves intoclamping relation on one side of the drum element 138 and out ofclamping relation on the other side, a pair of opposed arcuate slots 186and 188 are provided in the plate 144, see FIGURE 1. A collar 190surrounding the shaft 140 is positioned immediately under the plate 144,the upper portion of the collar 190* having a tongue 192 extendingnormally therefrom. A threaded bore 194 extends through the tongue 192and aligns with the arcuate slot 186, the pin 194 being provided with ascrew 196. The lower portion of the collar 190 is surrounded by the cam178 and is secured to the flange 182 on the lower cam 172. Extendingnormally from the upper cam 178 is a tongue 198 which is stepped upwardsto lie in the same plane as the tongue 192 on the collar 190. The tongue198 is provided with a threaded bore 200 which aligns with the otherslot 188, the threaded bore 200' being provided with a screw 202. Theposition of the two cams 172 and 178 and hence their position ofoperation may be adjusted by moving the position of the threads 194 and200.

The label applying mechanism, generally denoted by the numeral 204, seeFIGURE 9, is positioned intermediate of the label gripping mechanism 136and the conveyor 26, see FIGURE 1. It includes a shaft 206, the upperend of which is journalled in a horizontal arm 208 attached to anupright 210 secured to the platform 22, the lower end of the shaft 206being journalled in the platform 22.

A valve assembly, generally denoted by the numeral 212, see FIGURE 11,is resiliently suspended from the arm 208. The valve assembly 212surrounds the shaft 206 and it includes a circular plate 214 having acentral orifice 216 surrounding the shaft 206. The circular plate 214 islocated with respect to the arm 208 by means of traversing pins 218, theshanks of which are threaded in the circular plate 214. A hollow pin 220surrounding the pin 218 rests on the circular plate 214, and provides ameans for supporting a spring 222 which surrounds the hollow pin 220 andbears against the arm 208.

A flexible conduit 224 connected to the vacuum pump is linked to ahorizontal channel 226 provided in the circular plate 214; the channel226 turns downwards at its inner end to exit from the underside of thecircular plate 214.

The valve assembly 212 also includes a hollow wall member 228surrounding the shaft 206 and positioned below the circular plate 214.An internal horizontally disposed circular flange 230 is provided in thelower part of the hollow wall member 228, the inside diameter of theflange 230' corresponding with the diameter of the shaft 206 being keyedthereto. The hollow wall member 228 has a lower truncated portion 232which depends from the flange 230. Four channels 234 are provided in thetruncated portion 232, each emerging from the sides thereof being spacedat 90 with respect to each other and entering the hollow wall member 228in the flange 230.

A ring 236 rests on the flange 230 in fixed relation thereto by means ofa pair of diametrically opposed pins 238 which project through the ring236. Four apertures 240 also spaced at 90 are provided in the ring 238,these being in line with the channels 234. Another ring 242 rests on thering 236 in bearing relation thereto but is secured to the underside ofthe circular plate 214 by pins 244. A horizontally disposed arcuatechannel 246 is provided in the ring 242, the channel 246 being the samedistance from the axis of the shaft 206 as the exit of the channel 226in the circular plate 214; one end of the channel 246 is upturned tocommunicate with the channel 226 of the circular plate 214. The lengthof the channel 246 is such that it subtends an angle of 270.

It will be clear that in this arrangement rotation of the hollow wallmember 228 with its associated ring 236 will permit the passage ofvacuum to each of the channels 234 for threequarters of their rotation,but will be terminated for the remainder.

The label applying mechanism also includes a substantially rectangularshaped hub member 248 which is keyed to the shaft 206 by means of a boss250 positioned some distance below the hollow wall member 228; each edge252 of the hub member 248 is extended outwardly at one corner in orderto form an abutment 254 on the adjacent edge 252, see FIGURE 11. Eachabutment 254 is provided with a bushing 256.

A member, generally denoted by the numeral 258, see FIGURE 11 andcomprising a pair of spaced apart upper and lower substantially L-shapedarms 260 and 262 respectively and integral with a vertically disposedcross arm 264 is provided on each abutment 254 by means of a pin 266extending through the bushing 256. The upper arm 260 is L-shaped, thepoint at which it is pivoted to the hub member 248 being positioned atthe elbow. The portion of the L-shaped arm 268 removed from the crossarm 264 rests on the hub member 248 in proximity to the edge 252 and theL-shaped arm 260 supports a plate 268 which extends upwards insubstantially the same plane. The vertical edge of the plate 268adjacent the pivot point on the abutment 254 carries a bar 270 the upperend of which is provided with a roller element 272.

The face of the cross arm 264 removed with respect to the arms 260 and262 is provided with a lug 274. An upstanding tube 276, the upper partof which has slits 278 and a threaded bore, is secured to the face ofthe lug 274. This tube 276 communicates with a channel 280 in the lug274, see FIGURE 11, and then with another channel 282 provided in thecross arm 264, the channel 282 communicating, in turn, with a short tube284 secured to the upper face of the cross arm 264.

A member 286, see FIGURE 11, is supported by the lug 274, the body ofthe member 286 being provided with a vertical channel 288 in which isfrictionally engaged the upstanding tube 276, by means of a taperedthreaded pin 290 which engages with the threaded bore of the upstandingtube 276. The member 286 has a vertically disposed abutment 292 which ispositioned outwardly of the member 286 with respect to the hub member248, the abutment 292 being provided with a pad 294 having apertures 296extending inwardly through the abutment 292 and the member 286 tocommunicate with the upstanding tube 276 by means of an opening 298 inthe front of the tube 276. The member 286 rests on the lug 274 in fixedrelation to the cross arm 264, the adjoining surface of the verticalabutment 254 and the body of the member 286 bearing against the adjacentsurfaces of the cross arm 264.

Each member 286 is biased outwardly of the hub memher 248 by means of anindividual spring 300 projecting from an aperture 302 in the side of thehub member 248, the spring 300 bearing against the inner surface of thecross arm 264. The outward pivotal movement of the member 286 about theabutment 254 is, in turn, limited when the plate 268 makes contact withthe projecting portion of a horizontally disposed plunger 304, see FIG-URE 13, slidably supported in a channel 306 provided in valve housing308 individual to each member and mounted on the hub member 248, seeFIGURE 11.

The mid portion 310 of the plunger 304 is reduced in diameter withrespect to the channel 306; an upstanding tube 312 constituting a valveport is provided in the valve housing 308. The inner end of theupstanding tube 312 communicates with the channel 306 in the regionoccupied by the reduced portion 310 of the plunger 304 and outer end oftube 312 is connected by a flexible tube 314 to the immediately adjacentchannel provided in the hollow wall member 228.

, 7 The plunger 304 is flared to an end portion 316 which is shaped toseat against the sloping end wall of a chamber 318 which communicateswith the channel 306. The inner surface of the flared end portion 316 ofthe plunger 304 is provided with a flange 320 on which is superimposed asmaller flange 322.

An upstanding tube 324 communicates with the chamber 318 the tube 324constituting the other port in the valve housing 308 and connected by aflexible tube 326 to the upstanding tube 276. The end of the chamber 318opposed to the flared end portion 316 of the plunger 304 is closed by amember 328 which is provided with a hollow open ended abutment 330aligned with the channel 306 and projecting into the chamber 318 clearof its walls. The hollow abutment 330 serves as a vent to atmospherefrom. the valve housing 308 and it is closed on entry of the flange 320of the plunger 304 into the hollow abutment 330 due to pressure of theplate 268; the flange 320 contacts an inner slidable collar 332 biasedfrom a fixed collar 334 by a spring 336. A return spring 338 bearsagainst the flange 322.

As illustrated in FIGURE 10 each member 286 rotates in a circular pathwherein it is normally biased outwards to receive a label from the labelgripping apparatus 136, the rotation of which is synchronized so thatthe release of a label from a gripper 148 corresponds with the arrivalof a member 286 the latter connected through the valve housing 308 tothe vacuum source. After transfer of the label the member 286 rotates toa position at approximately an angle of 90 with respect to that oftransfer to contact a glue applying roll 340. After the glue has beenapplied to the label the latter is carried by the member 286 to aposition diametrically opposed to that of transfer to contact acontainer moving on the conveyor 26 which is synchronized to correspondwith the arrival of the label as illustrated in FIGURE 10. A pair ofdiscs 342, see FIGURE 1, journalled on a support 344 may be used toprovide the requisite pressure to the passing container to ensure evenapplication of the label but alternatively another label applyingmechanism may be positioned in place of discs 342 in which case afurther label is applied to the other side of the conveyor 26.

The pressure applied by the container to the pad 294 is such that itcauses the member 286 to pivot about the abutment 254 and it is afurther feature of the invention that this rotation of the member 286causes it to pivot into a circle of reduced diameter wherein it wouldnot be in a position to subsequently accept a transfer of the label fromthe label gripping mechanism 136; the member 286 is retained in theinward position through the action of a latch mechanism, generallydenoted by the numeral 346, see FIGURE 12.

Each latch mechanism 346 consists of a pawl 348 hinged at its mid pointon the free end of the lower arrn 262 by means of a pin 350. The pawl348 is biased by a spring 352 secured to the arm 262, the spring 352being adapted so that the toothed end 354 of the pawl 348 bears againstthe underside of the hub member 248. An insert 356 providing a ratchetis secured to the underside of the hub member 248 near its periphery andadjacent to the latch mechanism 346. On inward rotation of the member286 the toothed end 354 of the pawl 348 moves towards the perimeter ofthe hub member 248 and engages with the ratchet of the insert 356thereby securing the member 286 in its inward position. The other end ofthe pawl 348 is provided with a roller 358.

In the event that the pressure of the container is insufficient to guidethe member 286 into the position where the pawl 354 engages with theratchet 356 the member 286 is guided by a safety device which comprisesan adjustable cam 360 secured to the underside of the arm 208, seeFIGURE 9, which earn 360 engages with the roller element 272 carried atthe upper end of the vertical bar 270.

It will be appreciated that inward pivoting of the member 286 either bymeans of pressure by the container or the action of the adjustable cam360 will remove the pressure from the plunger 304 causing the valvehousing 308 to vent to atmosphere. At this time the supply of vacuum isterminated through the flexible tube 314 and the valve assembly 212because the connecting channel 234 ceases to be in communication withthe arcuate channel 246 in the ring 242. The venting to atmosphere takesplace during the predetermined portion of the rotation of the hub 248,occurring after the pad 294 has applied a label to the container andsomewhat before it reaches the position where it would contact thecorresponding label gripping element, provided the latter carries alabel.

To determine whether a label is ready to be transferred a vacuum sensingmechanism, generally denoted by the numeral 362, is provided in thelabel gripping mechanism 136, see FIGURE 8. This includes a plate 364mounted on the table 22, one end of which has an orifice 366 surroundingthe shaft 140, the other end of the plate 364 having a slot 368 whichengages with an adjusting pin 370 secured to the table 22. A stationarycollar 372, also surrounding the shaft 140, rests on the plate 364 beingsecured thereto by means of pifis 374. The collar 372 is provided with apair of upstanding channels 376 and 378, each communicating with twoflexible tubes 380 and 382 respectively, the tube 382 being connected toa vacuum source. The collar 372 has an upstanding circular flange 384surrounded by a ring 386 which in turn is secured to the collar 372 bymeans of pins 388. The ring 386 has a pair of vertical channels 390 and392 which are aligned with the channels 376 and 378. Resting on thestationary ring 386 is another ring 394 rotatable with the shaft 140.The ring 394 has four equally spaced arcuate slots 396 above the ring394 and secured thereto is a further ring 398 provided with four equallyspaced horizontal channels 400 which then depend downwards to vent withthe respective arcuate slots 396 in the rotating ring 394. Each channel400 is connected to an orifice 402 provided in the rear of the nearestfixed finger 154 which orifice 402 extends through to the face of theinclined clamping edge 152.

The tube 380 emanating from the collar 372 is connected to a vacuumdiaphragm 404, see FIGURES 9 and 14, supported in the table 22. Leadinginwards fro-m the vacuum diaphragm 404 in the direction of the suelement 248 is a horizontal bar 406 carried in a journal 408 alsomounted on the table 22. The end of the bar 406 protruding from thejournal 408 is secured to another bar 412 which extends inwards througha bearing 414 Secured to the table 22 under the hub 248. The bar 412 isnormally biased away from the journal 408 in the direction of the hub248 by means of a spring 416. The inner end of the bar 404 is providedwith a cam surface 418 and is adapted to engage with the roller 358, seeFIGURE 15, carried by the end of the pawl 348 when the vacuum is appliedto the diaphragm 404, thus causing the bar 412 to move against thespring 416.

The bar 412 is positioned with respect to the hub element 248 to operateon the roller 358 immediately after the member 286 to rotate to itsinward position, see FIGURE 10; the action of the bar 412 releases thepawl 348 from the ratchet 356 thus permitting the member 286 to rotateinto its outward position in readiness to receive a label from the labelgripping mechanism 136.

The transfer of a label from the pack 102 to an individual gripper 148is determined by the fact that the label which covers the face of theinclined clamping edge closes the orifice 402 extending therethrough. Asa result on continued rotation of the gripper 148 bearing the label apoint is reached where the arcuate slot 396 in the ring 394, whicharcuate slot 396 is connected to the respective orifice 402, is alignedwith the channels 376, 378, 390 and 392 of the lower stationary ring 386and collar 372. The position of alignment may be adjusted by means ofthe plate 364 and it is arranged to occur prior to the point where thelabel on the gripper 148 will be transerred to the respective member286. At the instant of alignment of the arcuate slot 396 as describedabove the vacuum circuit in the sensing mechanism 362 is closed and thediaphragm 404 is thereby actuated causing outward movement of the bar412 against the roller 358 thereby releasing the pawl 348 to permit themember 286 to rotate to its outward position.

The sequence of operation is diagrammatically illustrated in FIGURES 16,17, 18, 19 and 20. As illustrated in FIGURE 16 the label is transferredto the vacuum bar 112 connected to the vacuum source, the transfer beingassisted by action of an air jet from the hollow member 122. The labelwhich is then held between the gripper 148 and the inclined clampingedge 152 is carried around by the drum element 138; the label coveringthe sensing orifice 402 causes the vacuum to operate the diaphragm 404thereby operating the latch mechanism 346 as already described. Thisallows the pad 294 to move out into position to receive the label atwhich time the plate 268 also rotates thereby opening the port in thevalve housing 308. The label is released by the gripper 148 andtransferred to the vacuum pad 294 after which glue is applied to thelabel from the roll 358. The pad 294 then rotates around whereby a pointin the label contacts the container, the vacuum pad 294 being rotated toits inward position through pressure of the container. If this isinsufficient the rotation of the pad 294 inward is ensured by action ofthe adjustable cam 360 and pad 294 is secured in the latched position.The action of rotating the vacuum pad 294 inwards to the latchedposition cuts off the vacuum supplied to the pad 294 through the valvehousing 308; at the same time the exhaust vent 330 is opened in thevalve housing 308 to allow residual vacuum in the vacuum pad 294 to bereleased.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described for thepurpose of disclosure, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited thereto, but contemplates such modifications and otherembodlments as may be utilized without departing from the lnventlon.

We claim:

1. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying 1nd]- vidual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation on a shaft, label carrying means on said hub element located atits periphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespecitve container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation on a separate shaft, releasable label gripping means carried bysaid second hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft being synchronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, saidvacuum pad being pivotal between the position where it is biasedoutwards of said shaft to contact a label on release from said grippingmeans and inwards towards said shaft on application of said label tosaid container.

2. Automatic labelling apparatus according to clalm 1 having meansretaining said pad in said inward position.

3. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 2 in which saidretaining means comprises a pawl pivotally secured to said pad, one endof said pawl bearing against the underside of said hub element and aratchet on the underside of said hub element in which movement of saidpad causing said pawl to move across the underside of said member toengage with said ratchet,

4. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 3 with meansreleasing said retaining means, said releasing means comprising amovable cam positioned under said hub element and means for actuatingsaid cam connected to said vacuum source, said cam on actuation bearingagainst the other end of said pawl.

5. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said padis connected to said vacuum source through a hollow member rotatable onand with said shaft, said hollow member having a port connected to saidpad, the interior of said hollow member having internal means adapted tocommunicate With said vacuum source for a predetermined portion of itsrotation on said shaft.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said internal means in saidhollow member comprises a first ring rotatable therewith, said ringhaving an aperture therethrough communicating with said port in saidhollow member, a stationary ring bearing against said first rotatablering and having an arcuate channel on its underface, one end of saidarcuate channel being upturned to exit on the upper surface, a secondstationary ring superimposed on said first ring having a channeltherethrough communicating between said upturned channel and said vacuumsource, the arrangement being such that on rotation of said first ringthe vacuum to said pad is terminated when the aperture in said ringceases to be in communication with said arcuate channel.

7. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying individual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation on a shaft, label carrying means on said hub element located atits periphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespective container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation on a separate shaft, releasable label gripping means carried bysaid second hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft being synchronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, saidvacuum pad being pivotal between the position where it is biasedoutwards of said shaft to contact a label on release from said grippingmeans and inwards towards said shaft on application of said label tosaid container, valve means on said first hub element connecting saidvacuum source to said pad, said valve means being movable to a positionWhere it vents to atmosphere and means carried by said pad on pivotalmovement to said inward position venting said valve means to atmosphere.

8. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 7 in which saidvalve means comprises a hollow housing supported on said first hu'belement, a plunger slidable in said housing and projecting therefrom,said plunger being resiliently biased in said housing to close said ventto atmosphere and said means carried by said pad on pivotal movementbearing against the projecting portion of said plunger.

9. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying individual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation on a shaft, label carrying means on said hub element located atits periphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespective container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation on a separate shaft, releasable label gripping means carried bysaid second hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft 'being synchronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, saidvacuum pad being pivotal between the position where it is biasedoutwards of said shaft to contact a label on release from said labelgripping means and inwards towards said shaft on application of saidlabel to said container, means retaining said pad in said inwardposition, sensing means on said second hub element to detect thepresence of a label on said label gripping means and means releasingsaid retaining means to allow biased pivoting outwards of said padresponsive to detection of said label by said sensing means.

10. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 9 wherein saidsensing means comprises a port in said label gripping means connected tosaid vacuum source, the label on said label gripping means closing saidport and said releasing means is connected to said vacuum source throughsaid sensing means and is activated by closing of said port.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said releasing means isconnected to said vacuum source through said sensing means by a valveassembly, said assembly comprising a first fixed collar surrounding saidseparate shaft, said first collar having two spaced apart channelstherethrough one communicating with said vacuum source and the otherwith said releasing means, a

second fixed collar superimposed on said first collar and having a pairof spaced apertures communicating respectively with said channels, athird collar rotatable with said shaft and having an arcuate channeltherein, said arcuate channel being at least the length of the distanceapart of said spaced apart apertures, and a fourth collar rotatable withsaid third collar, said fourth collar having a channel communicating atone end with said arcuate channel and at the other end with said port,the arrangement being such that said arcuate channel communicates withsaid spaced apart apertures immediately prior to contact of said labelby said pad thereby actuating said releasing means.

12. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying individual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation on a shaft, label carrying means on said hub element located atits periphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespective container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation on a separate shaft, releasable label gripping means carried bysaid second hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft being syn chronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, saidvacuum pad being pivotal between the position where it is biasedoutwards of said shaft to contact a label on release from said grippingmeans and inwards towards said shaft after application of said label tosaid container.

13. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 12, having asupport in which the upper end of said shaft is journalled, anadjustable cam mounted on said support, a member depending upwards fromsaid pad and engaging said adjustable cam to guide said pad inwardstoward said shaft.

14. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying individual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation on a shaft, label carrying means on said hub element located atits periphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespective container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation on a separate shaft, releasable label gripping means carried bysaid second hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft being synchronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, saidvacuum pad being pivotal between the position where it is biasedoutwards of said shaft to contact a label on release from said grippingmeans and inwards towards said shaft on application of said label tosaid container, a label magazine mounted adjacent the periphery of saidsecond hub element and means for withdrawing a label from said magazine,said label gripping means seizing said label from said withdrawingmeans.

15. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 14 having means fordirecting a blast of air against the side of said label on withdrawalfrom said magazine.

16. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein thelabels in said magazine are biased against said withdrawing means.

17. Automatic labelling apparatus for applying individual labels tocontainers comprising conveyor means adapted to transport saidcontainers at a predetermined velocity, a first hub element mounted forrotation about a vertical axis on a shaft carried by said supportstructure, label carrying means on said hub element located at itsperiphery, said label carrying means being synchronized to contact arespective container, said label carrying means including a pad and avacuum source connected to said pad, a second hub element mounted forrotation about a vertical axis on a separate shaft carried by saidsupport structure, releasable label gripping means carried by saidsecond hub element located at its periphery, the rotation of saidseparate shaft being synchronized with said shaft so that said vacuumpad contacts a label on release from said label gripping means, adhesivesupplying means, said label on said vacuum pad contacting said adhesivesupplying means before contacting a respective container, said vacuumpad being pivotal between the position where it is biased outwards ofsaid shaft to contact a label on release from said gripping means andinwards towards said shaft on application of said label to saidcontainer, a label magazine mounted adjacent the periphery of saidsecond hub element, means for withdrawing a label from said magazine,said label gripping means seizing said label from said withdrawingmeans.

18. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 17 wherein saidcontainer is supported on application of said label by said labelcarrying means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,214,096 9/1940 Weiss 156-364 XR2,525,741 10/1950 Von Hofe et al. 156-448 XR 2,764,408 9/ 1956 Weiler271--33 2,936,921 5/1960 Schulz 156568 XR 2,967,636 l/1961 Manas et al.156571 XR 3,005,565 10/1961 Doane et al. i 156-571 3,097,983 7/1963Caulford et al. 156364 EARL M. BERGERT, Primary Examiner.

D. J. FRITSCH, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 156568, 571

